What Is Denaturalization?
Even though naturalization is permanent, in many ways, citizenship can still be taken away. By being aware of how this can happen, it’s easier to prevent denaturalization from occurring.
What Is Denaturalization?
The term “naturalization” refers to the following: conferring United States citizenship upon someone who, at that time, lacks United States citizenship.
Every individual who meets the requirements for naturalization can become a naturalized United States citizen. As a United States citizen, they can enjoy the benefits that non-citizens do not have access to.
Even though naturalization is a conclusive process, this doesn’t mean that the outcome is always final. Rather, an individual can go through the process of denaturalization, which permanently changes their citizenship status.
The term “denaturalization” refers to the revocation of a naturalized United States citizen’s citizenship. By becoming a denaturalized citizen, a particular individual is no longer a citizen of the United States.
How Can A Naturalized U.S. Citizen Become Denaturalized?
A naturalized United States citizen can become denaturalized if they meet specific criteria. The specific criteria that a citizen must meet, in order to become denaturalized, is as follows:
- A naturalized United States citizen concealed and/or misrepresented key facts.
- The concealment and/or misrepresentation of these facts was a willful act.
- The concealed and/or misrepresented facts were material.
- A naturalized United States citizen obtained citizenship as a result of this concealment/misrepresentation.
Every single one of the criteria above can, if met, lead to a naturalized United States becoming denaturalized. By becoming denaturalized, an individual will lose their status as a United States citizen and, in turn, all that this status confers and allows for, as well as all that this status has conferred and allowed for.
What Happens If A Naturalized U.S. Citizen Becomes Denaturalized?
The exact answer to this question is dependent on several factors. Each one of these factors determines the specific set of actions that a denaturalized United States will face, right after they become denaturalized.
A particular individual who has been denaturalized can appeal this decision. By doing so, they may be able to maintain their current status as a United States. But, if the appeal fails, then they will no longer be a citizen.
Many of those who are denaturalized are not deported out of the United States. Rather, they are allowed to remain in the United States, as a lawful permanent resident. This is most common for immigrants who were lawful permanent residents prior to obtaining United States citizenship.
Even though the above is true, some United States citizens are forced to leave the country, as a result of their denaturalization. But, this is only the case if this individual has committed actions that are “grounds for deportation.”
A particular immigrant who has no grounds for deportation, but has become denaturalized, is often able to stay in the United States as a lawful permanent resident. A particular immigrant who has become denaturalized and, if they weren’t a United States citizen would’ve been deported, will be forced to leave the United States.
Speak With A Houston Immigration Lawyer
Denaturalization is a deeply unpleasant process that can, and will, shatter one’s life. Speak with a Houston immigration lawyer and we will assist you in preventing denaturalization.
Sources:
law.cornell.edu/wex/naturalization
law.cornell.edu/constitution-conan/article-1/section-8/clause-4/denaturalization-revocation-of-citizenship-generally
law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1451
